The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-29
A BIT OF OBSCURE HISTORY
Lamar and the Associate Justiceship of
the United States Supreme Court.
Forgotten but Striking Illustration of His
Judicial Temperament-His Freedoms
Shrek in Mississippi COURTROOM.

opinion that the Cabinet will remain intact until
the end Of Mr.. Cleveand's administration. In
nearly all the newspaper comments which favor
the appointment of Mr.. Lamar, much space is
given to emphatic praise of his judicial tenn
permanent" his conservative habits of thought"
his freedom from ebullitions of passion" Some
passages in Colonel Lamar's life evidently have
been forgotten. His eulogy on Sumner is
called and axplauded, the memory of his eulugy
on jefferson Davis in the Senate has become
obscure. Colonel Lamars conservatism and
dispassionate temperament must be regarded as
among his recent acquisitions If he possesses
them.
In 1871 he was professor of law in the Univer-
sity of Mississippi at Oxford. He may have
taught the theory OF obedience to law and re-
spect for judicial tribunals and proceedings, but
occasion, at least, in the presence of many
of his students, his example did not accord with
the precepts which he should have sought to in
culcate Colonel Lamar had served several years
in Congress before the war. and in 1871 he
anxious to re-enter political life. The district
in which he lived was Republican by majority
of some 4. 900 in total vote of 16. 500 In 1872
Colonel Lamar, howev YER. a successful candi
date-the Republican vote had dwindled in two
years from 10, 900 to 5000, and the Democratic
vote had increased nearly 1000 in the same
of the Mississippi Democrats.
Republicans and Northern men generally were
the victims of a system Of terrorism exercised by
armed and masked mon who defied the civil
authorities and whipped and murdered Northern
men and negroes in every direction. In June
1871, dozen more of the men alleged to be
brought to trial before United States District
Judge Hill. who had been appointed by Andrew
johnson five years before. Among the specta-
tors in the court room during the trial were
Professor Lamar and number of his studen.s
He was not there as counsel but by virtue of his
privilege as an attorney. While hearing was
United States marshal and dsoarred, but
afterward readDitted to practice. In his testi-
mony before joint committee e, of d Congress
Quoted the prosecution described tho affair in
part. follows
COMMUNICATION alluded while ago to a man
named Wisser who was killed some few days
since in Macon, Noxubee county. viii you
please state to the committee any fact within
your knowledge or information which tends to
show that the men connected with this organl-
cation perpetrated or melted that assassination
and all facts connected with his case2
Mr. Wells-I am very glad that the committee
will allow to make the statement. because
there has been much said in regard to that
case that is wholly untrue and SO much parade
made through the newspapers that would like
TO have the matter set right publicly. Mr.. Niss
Ter came to Oxford as a witness upon certain Ku-
klux trials that were then pending, and while he
was there difficulty arose somewhat after this
manner Wsser told me. He standing
on the street talking with a colored man. when
drunken man came up, up and assaulted him with
that effect, when Wissler Immediately turned
around and struck him, but instantly discover
ing that he was drunk he turned and left him
Soon after that he met General Lamar on the
steps of the court house he was coming up
and accosted him. General Lamar soon after
same into the courtroom. and as Wissler was
walking out of the courtroom he said to the
judge: Il want this man that is leaving arrest
ed" Wissler Immediately turned around and
aho,k
feet from him, when General Lamar says MAY
it please your honor was standing below here
just now, when saw this beast, this wretch
for know other name to apply to him
knock down poor inebrate, who had just come
up to him and accosted him in genteei manner
He soon after met me on the steps and accosted
me in words like these: What time does the
court meet' By his language | judged that he
was foreigner. and passed him by, for co
not speak to such men," Wissler was.
by this time. sitting the steps
leading to the judges seat After he made this
declaration he says: II started to ride away
my horse, when heard one OF the in the
company ask, Who is thatp to which Wsser
replied That is General Lamar, the and the
rest was lost to me as went away. Now. sir
community placed under arrest here for
violation of the peace, I ask your honor to put
this wretch under bond that he shall keep the
peace"
Communicable whom was this language ad-
dressed?
Mr. Wells-To Judge HILL 1t was while we
county at the Oxford court. Mr.. Wissler
and General Lamar afterward said. stepped
toward him. l was not looking at him at the
moment 1 saw him rise and turn about half
round, as if to face the judge. and say something
in his defense. l myself was waiting and watch
ing for an opportunity to say to General Lamar
if this had violated any of his rights he
should send him to tho Mayors Court, and not
bring him there Before could say that Wiss.
Ter rose and turned AS he turned around
Lamar jerked up chair and started toward
him. Wissler rushed back to the judge
as if for protection. The Judge started
up ;sa ana, Tfn ms and s aanas crv; nx.enGso
LAMAR General Lamar! General Lamar"
While General Lamar was advancing toward
him with heavy wooden bottom chair raised,
approaching the rostrum, started ACROSS to
take hold of Lamar to quiet him. l knew him
to be a very nervous man, and we were warm
friends. Before I got to him the marshal, who
was unarmed and back of me- stepped toward
him. At that instant Genaral Lamar dropped
the chair. Before could say word he hauled
off and struck the marshal powerful blow,
breaking small bone at the cap of the eye
When Marshal Pierce was knocked down the
one of perfect excitement The ku-
klux prisoners jumped over into the bar, from
the prisoners box where they were guarded,
stripped up their sleeves. crying, "Go for them.
- EN-, go for EN-" A scene of utter confusion
followed. Some of the lawyers-General Feath-
erstone and Colonel Manning-took General
Lamar out into side room l begged them to
if they did not. General Lamar came back
into the courtroom. and said: ''Sir, this has
been. perhaps somewhat disgraceful.' will re-
peat his language nearly as can, and it was
impressed on my mind because of the excitement
of the occasion. and my friendship for him and
my consciousness that we were in such dis
graceful scene. He said This has, perhaps,
been a dsgraceful affair my part hero in this
court, but want it understood here distinctly
now and forever that while you here
Stacking the freedom of these people, you, sit
ting upon that bench. with your minions cannot
for one moment suppress my voice when it is
raised in behalf of liberty and justice. Sir. be-
ol0 hnvyn ratn hyy
your hirelings will allow the dust OF Oxford to
drink nv blood You may send Jail. you
may fine me if you WILL but understand. you and
all tbs rest-that you cannot for one moment
shackle the freedom of this body of mine
stife my voice." The students and some other
men who were in the back part of the court
ROOM commenced cheering, and applauding,
and clappipg their hands. The judge said,
ARREST these men, I thought it time,